What does the cryptic crossword clue "Bears almost killed badger (6)" mean?

The definition is "badger". The wordplay uses charade, deletion. HAS (synonym of "Bears") + SLEW (synonym of "killed") [curtailing: "almost"]; definition: "badger" The answer is HASSLE.

Bears almost killed badger (6)

Guardian Cryptic #29596 | 25 Across | 2025-01-20 flower

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Also seen in

Telegraph #29040 (2019-05-02)